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The Techne Connect
Abdelfattah Mostafa: Head of Global Manufacturing Infrastructure at ICEYE
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In this episode of Techne Connect: Connect To Orbit, Joe Reed sits down with Abdelfattah Mostafa, Head of Global Manufacturing Infrastructure at ICEYE, to discuss the evolution of the space industry, from bespoke satellite missions to scalable, industrialised manufacturing. Abdelfattah shares his career journey from mechanical engineering and oil & gas into commercial space, explaining why solving meaningful problems should always come before building impressive technology.
The conversation explores Europe's growing space capabilities, the future of satellite manufacturing, AI-powered Earth observation, leadership, hiring high-performing teams, and the skills that will define the next generation of space professionals. Whether you're an engineer, graduate or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights into building a career and an industry that creates lasting impact.
The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧
Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.
From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.
Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.
Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.
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Merry Walker: Co-Founder & CEO of Symphony Space
48:46|Building the Infrastructure for the Next Era of Space with Symphony SpaceIn this episode of Connect to Visionaries, Joe Reed speaks with Merry Walker, Co-Founder of Symphony Space.Merry discusses her journey from engineering and energy systems, through a career in diplomacy focused on emerging technologies, to founding a company focused on simplifying access to space.Symphony Space is building solutions designed to make space more accessible by reducing the complexity, cost and barriers involved in deploying technologies into orbit.The conversation explores how the space industry is evolving from exploration into a broader operating environment, with new opportunities across orbital infrastructure, in-space services, research, manufacturing and commercial applications.Merry shares the lessons behind taking a deep tech idea from concept to company, including understanding customer pain points, building around real market needs and creating scalable solutions for a growing space economy.They also discuss the future of space infrastructure, the importance of automation and robotics, and the skills needed for the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders entering the industry.A conversation about the people, technology and infrastructure shaping the future of commercial space.
Mike Safyan, VP of Launch & Strategic Initiatives at Planet
50:46|Mike Safyan, VP of Launch and Strategic Initiatives at Planet, joins Joe Reed to explore his journey from NASA Ames to becoming one of Planet’s earliest employees, and the decision to leave a secure career path to help build a company that would transform how we observe Earth. From Planet’s first satellites and its mission to image the entire planet every day, to its evolution into a publicly traded company, Mike reflects on the milestones, risks and decisions that shaped its journey.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of the space industry, from AI-powered geospatial analytics and the growing diversity of remote sensing technologies to the potential of orbital data centres. Mike shares his advice for early-career talent looking to enter the space sector, why smaller startups can accelerate professional growth, and Planet’s ambition to become a household name by demonstrating how space-based data can directly improve life on Earth.
Alicia Kavelaars, Senior Technology Officer at Spacedock
39:25|In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Joe Reed speaks with Alicia Kavelaars, Senior Technology Officer at Spacedock.Alicia shares her journey from studying theoretical physics and astrophysics, to building space systems, founding OffWorld, and now helping shape the future of persistent space infrastructure.The conversation explores:• Why the future of space depends on rapid prototyping and solving real customer problems early• How robotics, AI and hardware will drive the next wave of aerospace innovation• The importance of systems thinking for engineers entering the industry• Why adjacent industries are becoming a key source of aerospace talent• The future of commercial space infrastructure and in-orbit servicingA great conversation for engineers, founders and leaders interested in robotics, AI and the next generation of space technology.
Tim Solms: CEO at Slingshot Aerospacd
46:50|In this episode of Techne Connects, Joe Reed speaks with Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace.Tim shares his journey from joining the US Army at 17 to becoming an Apache pilot, working across Dell, VMware and Microsoft, and later stepping into the space sector as a CEO.The conversation covers leadership, risk, culture, hiring and career development. Tim explains why culture matters more than compensation, what he looks for in strong employees and why self-awareness plays such an important role in professional growth.They also explore the future of the space industry, including AI, autonomous operations, orbital infrastructure, commercial growth and the increasing demand for talent from outside the traditional aerospace sector.This episode offers practical insight for engineers, founders and business leaders interested in leadership, technology and the future of space.
Albert Maas, CEO at Exolaunch
50:09|In this episode of Behind the Vision, Luke Campbell speaks with Albert Maas, CEO of Avular, about his journey from mechanical engineering and motorsport into entrepreneurship and robotics.Albert shares how his early passion for building and solving complex problems led him towards creating deep-tech companies focused on mobile robotic systems.The conversation explores:• The challenges of building hardware companies in Europe• Why robotics requires a different approach to scaling compared with software• The importance of vertical integration in creating reliable products• How AI and autonomy will influence the next generation of robotic systems• The future of mobile robotics across industries including construction, logistics, healthcare and everyday lifeAlbert also discusses Europe’s position in the global technology race, the importance of access to capital, and why the next generation of engineers will play a key role in shaping the future.From entrepreneurship and engineering education to the future of robotics, this episode explores what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into real-world technology.
Lucy Hoag: Founder and CEO of Violet Labs
29:48|Building a career in aerospace and complex hardware does not always mean staying on a traditional engineering path. In this episode of Behind the Vision, Lucy Hoag, founder and CEO of Violet Labs, shares how her experience across aerospace, government programmes and autonomous vehicles led her to build a company focused on improving hardware development.Lucy offers a clear view of what it takes to turn industry frustration into a business. From customer discovery and product-market fit to AI, orbital data centres and connected engineering systems, she explains why experience, technical foundations and strong judgement matter. Whether you are an engineer, founder or business leader, this episode offers practical insight into building better products, stronger teams and more effective engineering processes.
Scott Philips, Chief Innovation Officer / Head of Emerging Technology at Forterra
43:31|Scott Philips, Chief Innovation Officer at Forterra, joins Carlos Regini-Moran to explore a career shaped by engineering, AI and a drive to solve real-world problems. From developing early AI systems for the US Navy and working on radar technology at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, to deploying technology alongside soldiers in Afghanistan, Scott shares how getting closer to the end user transformed his approach to innovation.The conversation explores the growing role of autonomy in defence, Forterra's mission to take soldiers out of harm's way, and the importance of building technology that works where it matters most — on the battlefield. Scott also shares lessons on leadership, mentoring and career development, including why the goal should be to "optimise for learning" and why being surrounded by people smarter than you can be one of the most valuable choices you make.
Jon Reijneveld’s, Co - Founder and Chief Engineer at Space Exploration
38:11|From contributing to the Orion program to helping build Europe's next generation of space capsules at The Exploration Company, Jon Reinveld has spent his career turning ambitious ideas into engineering reality. In this episode of Connect To Orbit, he shares the journey from choosing aerospace over biology to leading the development of technology designed to shape the future of human spaceflight.Jon explores why mastering technical expertise is only part of becoming a great engineer. He discusses the importance of curiosity, hands-on experience, leadership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, while offering valuable advice for graduates looking to build meaningful careers in the space industry. The conversation also examines Europe's rapidly evolving commercial space ecosystem, reusable launch technology, and how iterative engineering is creating new opportunities for innovation. Whether you're an engineer, industry leader or simply fascinated by the future of space, this episode offers practical insights from someone helping build it.